Former RF Brookes innovation director Alex Simmons is working with Chaucer Foods on a range of novel healthy snacks from freeze-dried smoothie slices to freeze-dried yogurts, following the successful launch of a new range of fruit crisps under the new O! so natural brand in Asda.

Simmons is now in talks with several other supermarkets and caterers interested in stocking his fruit crisps, which are manufactured under licence by Chaucer Foods in China.

“We launched the product in 147 Asda stores late last year and sales have been above expectations, so several other retailers are now showing an interest,"​ Simmons told FoodManufacture.co.uk.

"We’ve also been showing the product to retailers in other markets such as Canada.”​

Additive-free fruit snacks​

The new products under development were very unusual, said Simmons, who has also been approached by other manufacturers keen to develop healthy snacks under his O! So natural ​brand.

“The great thing about the freeze-drying process they use is that you don’t need to add additives. We’ve been experimenting with all kinds of products, including freeze-dried smoothies and yogurts, which you can slice into crisps.”​

Asda, which has stocked the apple, banana, and strawberry and banana fruit crisps since October, said it was “committed to offering customers healthy options in the snack market​”, adding: “O! so natural Fruit Crisps have not disappointed, with customers clearly enjoying the product and coming back for more.”​